Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (5,268)	$ (17,841)	$ (1,546)	$ (18,232)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(347)	1,225	(390)	1,813
Comprehensive loss	(5,615)	(16,616)	(1,936)	(16,419)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,164	59	2,573	894
Comprehensive loss attributable to SAExploration	$ (6,779)	$ (16,675)	$ (4,509)	$ (17,313)